8 Blessings [Queer Epic Fantasy]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Godfather Adam rules Eden.But a chosen prince with a terrible destiny will be his undoing.With the help of his two magic-wielding sisters,a shapeshifting firefox, and friends made along the way,Rafael and the Avalyn family will incite a rebellionto break Adam's hold over the world. You can expectMagic! Talking animals!A dark lord who rules the world!A dark lady who rules the night!Royal court intrigue.Revenge tragedy. Some fantasy horror.Multiple POVs, including nonhuman, trans, and a deaf character.Not erotica buterotic moments happenand are signposted so readers can jump ahead if they wish. Cover art by fiverr.com/patigonart

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2025
Author: Falstaff

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.8/ 5.0
Followers: 39
Views: 35,757

Chapters(92 total)

What readers say about 8 Blessings [Queer Epic Fantasy]

“Not a fan of using the words “I” or “me” a bunch in my reviews, but allow me a moment to add context to what I’m about to say.I’ve been lucky to review many books that I’ve liked and have been pleased to leave them praise. In honesty, I do pre-screen before…”
M_GormanRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“From the moment I started reading "8 Chronicles of Eden," I was captivated by the vivid imagery and the way the author immerses us in the world. I loved when the opening scene described the smoking ruins of Inari against the lush backdrop of Crescent Island…”
MementoRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

M_GormanRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Not a fan of using the words “I” or “me” a bunch in my reviews, but allow me a moment to add context to what I’m about to say.I’ve been lucky to review many books that I’ve liked and have been pleased to leave them praise. In honesty, I do pre-screen before I start, mostly for efficiency sake–I don’t put a lot of time in a book I won’t review because I don’t believe in punching down on a site such as this that provides the chance to grow and evolve as writers.That said, I won’t lie, and I won’t exaggerate either.So, when I tell you that 8 Chronicles: Eden by SM Rune is the best book, technically speaking, that I have read so far on Royal Road, I need you to understand what that means.The first chapters skip on a tightrope. The roots of Eden, its lore, and its mythos grow from something a bit familiar to most in the west, but SM Rune deconstructs it as soon as it sprouts out of the ground into a high-fantasy setting that feels all the more alien for it.The plot never brakes, it merely eases off the accelerator at most once a chapter. The chapters are focused, set up something fantastical with solid characterization, and then (I won’t spoil how often) leaves itself open for a twist at the end before moving on to the next group or set piece.Yet the reader never feels like they need a roadmap or review, which is good because each revisit of the characters or sets add something completely new. And somehow it weaves back within the other subplots in different locations. And just when you think you have an idea of what happens next, your expectations are subverted.It’s very deftly done. I can’t wait until I get the free time to finish the rest.
MementoRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
From the moment I started reading "8 Chronicles of Eden," I was captivated by the vivid imagery and the way the author immerses us in the world. I loved when the opening scene described the smoking ruins of Inari against the lush backdrop of Crescent Island. It really sets the tone for a story filled with a rich history and the promise of adventure. The blend of a lively marketplace and the serene yet imposing Castle Moondial creates an intriguing contrast, drawing me right into the setting.The writing style keeps me engaged as well. I found myself immersed in the descriptions that brought the island and its characters to life. The way the author weaves together the fun of the tournament with hints of the darker political tides was skillfully done. I could feel the shift in the atmosphere as Timothy began to reveal his ulterior motives.What really stands out to me is the thematic depth. The concepts of loyalty, power, and the loss of innocence are explored beautifully. The struggle between the joyous celebration of Rafael’s victory and the encroaching shadows of Timothy's intentions sets a tone that promises intrigue. I see the author really enjoys delving into the complexities of human (and magical) relationships, and it shows.As I followed the MC during the Perigee Tournament, I couldn't help but feel impressed by his skill and determination. It's not often you see a character so young yet so compelling. I really liked how the author captures his magnetism in the arena; you can almost hear the cheers from the crowd and feel the energy buzzing around him. I see the author truly enjoys crafting vibrant characters, and Rafael shines as a hopeful hero from the very beginning.On the flip side,Brother Timothymade my skin crawl, and I mean that in the best way possible! His unsettling presence brought a palpable tension to the story. I loved how the author skillfully portrays him as charming yet sinister, making it hard to trust him. Watching the interplay between him an
KeithSFRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I absolutely loved8 Chronicles: Eden! This story pulls you into a deep, dark fantasy world full of magic, talking animals, and some seriously intense conflicts. Arthur Avalyn and his family are secretly fighting against the powerful and sinister Godfather Adam, who rules over Eden with an iron grip. At the same time, in the distant land of Nod, Lilith is on a dangerous journey of revenge, adding even more depth and intrigue to the story.One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book is the worldbuilding. The author does an amazing job of making the setting feel alive, filled with all kinds of unique creatures like kitsune, magical beings, and talking animals. The mix of action, adventure, and mystery kept me hooked the entire time, and the characters are so well-written that you can’t help but get invested in their struggles.I also loved how the story has a darker tone while still being full of heart. It doesn’t hold back from showing the harsh realities of the world, but it also highlights the importance of family, love, and perseverance. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy with deep lore, engaging characters, and an exciting plot, you should absolutely check this one out!
LTAndersonRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
8 Blessings is the kind of book you wouldn't be surprised to see flying off the shelves of a popular bookstore. It opens with a prologue. Wait, don't go. It's only 2 and a half lines long. Which is about the perfect length for a prologue. And it's even educational. Everyone knows about the full and crescent moons. Some also know the gibbous moon. The prologue for 8 Blessings managed to teach me a new word - perigee moon.Once we're done with this briefly ominous prologue, we get to the story itself. It has a classic weighty fantasy feel to it. At times it's even reminiscent of the works of Poul Anderson. Including tying magic in with thermodynamics and intertwining Christian themes with Arthurian and fantasy elements. The story is filled with an ethereal sense of wonder even despite throwing around some common terms we take for granted these days, like mana.The early chapters are filled with intrigue and subtlety. They make good use out of hints and mystery before revealing new bits of important information. It's a story of divine rebellion, a lost age of humanity, and things not being quite what they seem. The author is confident in when and how to reveal information to the readers, striking a good balance between subtlety and excitement.The main cast are the Avalyn family. A line of rebellious nobles with access to magic, and plenty of family secrets. There's also a cute monkey sidekick who knows sign language. All of these characters have plenty of depth to them and feel alive and real. The only thing that got me raising my eyebrow was how openly they discussed their brewing rebellion. Which didn't seem that wise considering their opponents were shrewd and suspicious magicians of untold power.But that's a minor blemish on what's otherwise a deep and engaging fantasy story. Even the grammar and punctuation here never raised any alarms for me. So, if you're looking for something solid and grim yet whimsical, 8 Blessings is the story for you.
BigThinkRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
8 Chronicles: Edenis a very solid fantasy work, with one of the most unique settings and worlds I’ve read so far on this site. Political intrigue, mystery, and a fascinating magic system all combine into an awesome piece of literature that I’m proud say sucked me in a way that I haven’t experienced in a while. Please give this novel a read, I promise you won't regret it.With all that said, here’s the review (reviewed up to Chapter 8):Style: 5⭐Style of writing is impeccable. Descriptions and dialogue are rich and detailed, but do not overstay their welcome and drag down the narrative. Purple prose this fiction certainly is not, and all the better for it. No major breaks or moments where I found myself stuck on a weird passage or phrase - like I said, the writing sucked me in.Story: 5⭐The initial setup of the story reminds me of the basic framework of Dune - the political intrigue and machinations of a noble family, the general feel of the wider world. However, 8 Chronicles: Eden stands on its own two feet - especially with the broader story. The fiction mixes fantasy with Christian mythology in a way that I’ve never really seen many fantasy works pull off (or at least pull off well), and it feelsextremely cool.The story is never revealed all at once, but rather bit by bit. The chapters and scene breaks work well to slowly pull back the curtain on the world and the rebellion plot bit by bit, keeping you constantly on edge. It’s a basic thing to keep readers on the hook, but SM Rune has it nailed.Grammar: 5⭐No big issues here. Grammar was great, and as long as I’m not taken out of the story by any strangeness in writing/sentence structure, that’s a 5 from me.Character: 5⭐Besides the uniqueness of the setting, the characters are the strongest point of the book. Even without a solid description of the characters’ appearances, their actions and dialogue work wonders in breathing life into them. None feel like caricatures or as flat talking heads, and I found myself keepin
Deus Ex LachinaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I've started with 8 Aegir, to see, and report, how well it stands on its own.
It's definitely a compelling story, and the characters are very interesting. The voice calling itself Raf is particularly engaging, as is Lyn. An older vampire in a child's body has been done...but I've never seen their mental life restricted by their physical form. The way that's executed is very unsettling.
I'm kind of torn on how much this is a standalone story. I'm leaning that it's more of a sequel, although it could definitely be standalone with tweaks. I definitely feel like I'm missing a fair bit that would make a lot of this easier to process and/or more significant. The characters' family tree is particularly hard to follow - as I gather, Hinata is married to Morgan, who is Lyn's sister, and Plenty is family to them, but I didn't get how. But it's coherent, and I do feel like the characters are introduced properly, in the diary. The exceptions are Jack, Zeke and Hormiz, two of which are referred to but whose relation to each other, and the rest of the family, is unclear to me.
One thing that definitely hurts my comprehension is the level of ambiguity that's often there in sentences. For instance, you might get the pronoun "she" in a sentence about Lyn, Hinata and Morgan. Which she is it? This strikes me as the biggest overarching weakness - I dinged both grammar and style for this one (since it compromises style and could be fixed with clearer grammar), although both of these are otherwise good. Fix this and it's stellar.
The only other note is Lyn's train of thought that leads her to leave. This is a critical moment, since it kicks off this adventure - it really needs to make sense. What I don't get is how she went from "I need to leave, in order to protect Aegir from me" to "I need to infiltrate Adam's base." Based on my knowledge that Adam is the genocidal villain they're all hiding from, there could be a middle step - "Adam is the bigger threat. If I spy on him, I can give my
167fiveRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Forget the plot, the characters, or even the tone of the story.The world that the author makes is just so good!The magic system, the power systems, and the worldbuilding are just so well made and well thought out. The roots of Eden and its lore is so deep, and hints so much at future development.Aside from that, I also really liked the overall plotline following the family of royals as they plan an rebellion of sorts.Overall, I really enjoyed this. I'll be looking forward to see how it'll continue.
JimQuillRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is a beautifully written, vivid tale with enticing world building, fun and well developed characters, interesting magic, and fantasy intrigue.
You mostly follow a young girl with magic and her adorable magic monkey familiar. Another interesting MC is a young girl who discovers too much.
If solid world building is what you are after, go no further! It's lore is fascinating, with a deviation of classic Christian stories that is very fascinating. Oh, and a well thought out magic system to boot.
Style: the style is vivid and detailed. The authors paints an image of the scene and characters, immersing you into the world. The perspective also shifts between two main sides of the story, with some other interesting viewpoints in between.
Story: The story is complex and intriguing. So many characters have different goals, but it all weaves together in one fascinating story. The settings it brings you to are fantastic and full of wonder as well. Buckle yourself in, though, there are a lot of names, faces, and allegiances to remember.
Grammar: Beautifully written, with no or few grammar or sentence errors. What else can be said?
Characters: I really like the characters. They are fun and varied, ranging from little witches, monkeys, magical creatures, to an intriguing BBEG. Each one is well thought out and has their own interesting relationships with other characters.
DGCampbellRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
There is a good story here. I enjoy the themes, and the setting is intriguing. The issue that I have with the work as it stands is that I feel like it moves too fast and doesn't take time to breathe.An example is in the first chapter, which leaps between a battle in an arena, to a box overlooking the fight, and then it pivots to a little girl and her familiar.Lyn and Apple seem to be the protagonists of these early chapters, but the story doesn’t focus on either of them, and when it does, the reader is left wondering who the other people were and what they meant to the story.Later the story shifts protagonists to Raf and Morgan as they investigate a series of murders that have occurred. This wouldn’t be bad, but they are children, and that seems like a strange thing to send children to do. Because they haven’t had any “screen time” so far in the book, it is hard to justify the strange request given to them as legitimate. Again, the story could use time to breathe. The characters and the world need to establish themselves to the reader before the reader can understand and care about them.This is further exacerbated by the character Rowan, who is mysterious until they are very quickly not and in a paragraph of exposition at the start of a chapter, all of their mystique is stripped away before we even knew what it was.I know, I know, I’m really beating this into the ground, but I wouldn’t take the time if I didn’t think it was worth it. This story is worth it. I believe the tale is good and worth telling. The setting is spectacular (though with more description sprinkled throughout, it would shine) and I have a soft spot for heretical thinking. A lot of the story reminds me of His Dark Materials, which is one of my favorite book series.I’m on board with this story. I just think that it needs some love. Trust yourself and your writing enough to give the reader a challenge. It doesn’t have to jump from set piece to set piece like a series of 1 minute video clips. Spend a
Reverend-JPRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I picked this one up because of the cover. Which I love. Reading the tags and the description though, I was hesitant to read it. High fantasy isn't my thing really, and I personally dislike anything grimdark. But, I needed something to read, so I read the first chapter/prologue.And I'm glad I did.The writer has a way with words that just pull you in. The story reads as a mix of fantasy and a tragedy, causing everything to seem poetic in a way. The writing itself is great, with minor flaws here and there but they are so minor you can barely notice.Part of what makes the story great is the characters. What writers tend to do nowadays is write characters, but have no direction for them. Everyone sounding or acting the same. The characters here are all unique and well written, often times frustrating, but well written nevertheless.Honestly, I think this is one of Royal Road's best, and will continue to read more.